For women of color, it may be a conversation we often shy away from. Walk with us as we dive head first into the BIWOC experience when it comes to mental health. 

*picture sourced from psychologs.com*

Have you or someone you know been spending too many days rotting in bed? Feeling uninspired? Can’t stop doom-scrolling? Nervous, anxious, or just over the edge these days? It’s not just you! We frequently hear about women of color struggling to be open when it comes to their battles with depression, anxiety, or mental illness. These days, self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Along with personal rituals and nourishing your mind, body, and soul, knowing when to seek professional help is key. We can only do this once we normalize conversations surrounding mental health and become cognizant of the signs of depression and disorders. International Self-Care Day is July 24th. With the staggering numbers and women of color being disproportionately affected by stress and depression, we need it more than ever. Women of color face unique mental health challenges shaped by the intersections of race, gender, and societal expectations, and we’re here to break it down one stat at a time.

The Cultural Stigma

Community support can be miniscule for many individuals when facing mental health issues. Mental health is still a taboo topic, making it difficult for individuals to access and receive appropriate care. The National Center for Biotechnology Information tells us stigma is the biggest barrier for Black people seeking mental health services. From the “strong Black woman” to simply just “praying it away”, women of color grow up indoctrinated to believe their mental health challenges can be a sign of weakness. You even have the cultural stigma of the "model minority" that places immense pressure on Asian Americans to meet high expectations, often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. This stereotype can discourage individuals from seeking therapy, as they may fear disappointing their families. Many of these misconceptions surrounding therapy have been withstanding in our communities for generations, and it can be difficult to alter individuals’ thinking overnight. Many people of color may not even believe that they are suffering from mental illnesses. Instead of referring to these issues as such, we may have different colloquials in place. You may have grown up hearing your mother say “my nerves are bad” or your family describing someone as “all over the place”. Once we choose to create open dialogue surrounding mental health, our communities can advance in the right direction.

The Stats

There is an urgent need for increased access to mental health resources and culturally competent care for women of color. How can we be so sure? Here’s what we found regarding the current landscape of mental health:

• One in three African-Americans who struggle with mental health issues will never receive appropriate treatment (Psychiatry Online).
• 14.5% of Hispanic young women reported that they avoided mental health treatment because they “did not want others to find out” while 17.8% “feared negative impact on their job” (CLASP).
• African-American women are twice as likely to develop mental health problems (Main Line Health).
• New mothers of color have a rate of postpartum depression that is about two to three times higher than the rate for all new mothers (American Progress).
• 64 percent of Black children and 51 percent of Hispanic children have family histories that include ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) as compared to 40 percent of white children (Georgetown Law).
• 86% of psychologists are white (The Chicago School).
• Suicide is a leading cause of death for Asian Americans, especially for young adults aged 15 to 24 (National Center for Biotechnology Information).

Systemic Barriers

Systemic barriers also play a huge role. Before we can see true progress with women of color battling mental health concerns, there must be equity in the healthcare space. Access to quality mental health care is another challenge due to economic disadvantages, lack of culturally competent healthcare providers, and insurance barriers. For Latinx and Asian communities, language barriers and immigration status add another layer of complexity. Patients want to speak with professionals who look like them, and, as aforementioned, the mental health field is currently lacking diversity. One can also note that therapy and other counseling services are simply not affordable for those living in poverty. The average cost of a therapy session in the US can range from $100-$200, varying depending on location, doctors, etc. Unfortunately, women of color are more likely to be uninsured than white women, and these costs just aren’t feasible out-of-pocket. Additionally, mistrust of the healthcare system further discourages seeking help, and this lack of accessibility contributes to the ongoing disparities in these communities.

The Power of Self-Care

Self-care is more than just a buzzword – it's a powerful tool in maintaining mental health. It has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, increase happiness, and increase productivity. It can be easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycles of work, life, and other external factors, but be sure to set some time to the side to prioritize yourself. Here’s how you can start:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditations that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Therapy: Find a therapist who understands your cultural background. Therapy For Black Girls and Latinx Therapy are great resources to find the perfect professional who suits you.
• Community: Connect with other women of color who share similar experiences. Support groups can provide a safe space to share and heal! Sad Girls Club is a non-profit organization that works to remove the negative stigma integrated in mental health conversations.
• Physical Activity: Exercise is a natural mood booster. Whether it's yoga, dancing, or a good old-fashioned walk, get moving! Some of our favorite yogis on YouTube are Yoga with Adriene, Arianna Elizabeth, and Nico Marie.
• Creative Outlets: Engage in activities that bring you joy – painting, writing, music, or even cooking. Happy creating!

For International Self-Care Day, we encourage you to empower, unwind, and be mindful of the current state of your mental health. Addressing the mental health needs of women of color is essential for fostering a healthier and more equitable society. By raising awareness, breaking down stigmas, and advocating for accessible and affordable mental health care, we can support and encourage women of color to prioritize their well-being. Together, let's work towards a future where mental health care is inclusive and available to all. Because when we care for ourselves, we can better care for our communities.

P.S. We always have goodies! Looking to set a mood for International Self-Care Day? Check out ‘Living Softly’ and ‘Light a Candle’ on our Spotify now!